Known for his unique voice, Greg says his singing style has been influenced by legendary artists like Robert Johnson, Leadbelly and Muddy Waters.

“When I sing I want you to feel my hurt, my pain, my happiness and my sadness. I want to ask for forgiveness if I did something wrong and forgive people if they have done me wrong. All these things I try to do with my music,” says Greg.

“I don´t just sing notes, I sing emotions also.”

Born Gregory Andre Copeland in Portsmouth, Virginia, Greg says music was always being played in the Copeland household, while his mother Delores was a gospel singer with an excellent voice.

“I can still remember as a small child how my mother used to sing me a song before I went to sleep at night. She had so much emotion in her voice. Just by her singing, I could tell if she was happy or sad.

“Her perseverance and the love that she showed me and my brother while raising us alone still influences me deeply and has had a great impact on my singing and songwriting.”

Saturday’s gig will also see well respected local bluesman Mike Garner open the show with a set of his finest, as well as join in at the end of the night to jam along with Greg and Steve.

Greg Copeland and Steve ‘Guitar’ Giles with special guest Mike Garner are playing Mount Maunganui’s Totoara Street on Saturday, September 24, doors open 7.30pm.